Seea - Seeababes

Ask a Dermatologist: Why are rashguards better than sunscreen alone?

2016-05-08T09:03:00-07:00

Leah Dawson stays covered in the Nazare Bodysuit and the Montara Rashguard. Photo by Bryce Johnson.

As board-certified doctor in Dermatology and Internal Medicine, Dr. Brandith Irwin sees the effects of sun damage on her patient’s skin on a daily basis. She got so many of the same questions from her patients over the years that she created a website, Skintour to offer expert, unbiased skincare information to consumers about skin care, products, lasers, injectibles and other devices for healthier skin and younger appearances.

Dr. Irwin's latest book, “The Surgery-Free Makeover: all you need to know for great skin and a younger face” is like a personal consultation for women on how to look their best with the least fuss and expense. In honor of May being Skin Cancer Awareness month, Dr. Irwin shared with us her expert advice on how to take care of your skin during water activities.

Why should teens and 20-somethings care about to protecting their skin from the sun? Is young skin more susceptible to skin damage that effects in the long term?

If you start in your teens and twenties to protect your skin, you will save yourself a ton of wrinkles, brown spots, and blotchy skin problems later. Sun exposure is cumulative meaning it just keeps adding up. You can’t totally undo any of it.

How does UPF sun protective clothing work?

The clothing itself has been tested to make sure no radiation from the sun – UVA and UVB – is getting through. It just forms a physical layer between your skin and the sun. [Click HERE for more information on UPF clothing!]

Why is sun-protective clothing more effective than sunscreen alone?

Sun protective clothing is more effective because you can’t sweat it off, swim it off, or forget to reapply. Even the best sunscreen, applied perfectly doesn’t block as much UVA and UVB as a great rashguard!! Also, it saves time and is less expensive in the long run.

How long is sunscreen effective on the skin?

That’s almost impossible to say without knowing the exact sunscreen, how much exactly was applied, how much sweating, etc. Recommendations are to reapply after swimming, sweating and generally every two hours.

Sunscreen is the most important skin care product you can use on your skin every day. The more damage you can prevent from sunlight, the better your skin will be for years to come. If you have pre-teen or teenage children, particularly if you live in a sunny climate, encourage them to start using sunscreen on a daily basis on their faces.

Sunscreens and sun protection are the single best way to prevent prematurely aged skin, sunburns, leathery-looking skin, age spots, skin cancers, and the deadly skin cancer, melanoma (in fact, melanoma is the biggest cause of cancer deaths among kids in their twenties).

How do you read the SPF on sunscreen labels?

Don’t be fooled. The SPF indicates only UVB protection, not UVA. You might, for instance, be wearing an SPF 60 and, regardless of your skin type, still be at risk for skin cancer, wrinkles, and burns from UVA if the sunscreen doesn’t contain a UVA blocker. Nor does the term “broad spectrum” on the bottle guarantee UVA protection, because even if the product contains only a minuscle amount of UVA blocker, it can still bear the label for “broad spectrum” coverage. Sunscreens that have 5 to 10 percent zinc or titanium or 3 percent Mexoryl are best.

The SPF tells you only how much longer you can be in the sun without burning (For instance, if you would normally burn in 30 minutes with no sunscreen, then an SPF 30 would allow you to be out 15 hours without burning). How many of us are out for 15 hours? So long as you use an SPF 15, what really matters is the quality of the sunscreen ingredients, not the SPF. The higher SPF sunscreens sometimes have better UVA blockers but not always.

Thank you Dr. Irwin! For more skincare advice and her product recommendations, visit her website, Skintour.com.

MORE SUNCARE ADVICE:

Natural Sunscreen 101: Leah Dawson and Avasol

2016-02-16T12:15:00-08:00

Leah Dawson pumps Avasol sunscreen into her palm.

If our skin is the largest organ of our bodies, why don't we feed it with the same high standards of organic greens that we eat? During our hunt for a sunscreen isn't made with harmful ingredients and nourishes the skin, yet still stays on during long sessions, Seeababe Leah Dawson introduced us to Avasol.

From first-hand experience, she praises Avasol sunscreens for their efficacy in the waves and high quality ingredients without relying on traditional (and toxic) sunscreeen components such as reef-killing Oxybenzone, harmful nano-particles and parabens.

Avasol is made from wholesome ingredients — many of which are safe enough to eat. “For surfing, I like to wear Seea gear that covers a good portion of my skin, and use non-toxic sunscreen to cover and protect the rest that is exposed,” Leah says of her skin care regimen. She continued, “I’ve been using Avasol for two years now, both their face stick and their cream,” Leah tells us. “The sunblock always stays on my face, even if I have a long four-hour surf session. The cream needs to be reapplied every couple of hours, but I tend to wear full-body gear anyways if I expect to be out for a long session.”

Founder and owner, Chris Wilkinson started Avasol from scratch after failing to find options in the market that were up to his environmental standards. Both Chris and Leah offer us some advice for choosing sunscreen and why it’s up to consumers to choose products that are healthy for our bodies and the environment.

Leah smears the Avasol stick on her face before paddling out. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

What are the harmful effects of traditional sunscreen products?

Leah: Parabens of all types have been found most harmful. Traces of them have been found in breast cancer tumors. Parabens are often found in shampoos, conditions, lotions, sunscreens, and perfumes. Scary. Johnson & Johnson recently released that they are removing all parabens from their baby products by 2016. It’s about time.

The industry has gotten away with harming us for too long. Consumers must change the market!

Avasol’s use of wholesome products keeps the products reef and ocean safe. Nearly every sunscreen brand found at the normal market in America is filled with nano-particals of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which have been found harmful for both human skin and ocean reefs.

My friends at the Keep A Breast Foundation created another organization called the Non-Toxic Revolution, raising awareness about the toxic consumer industry, and the dangerous products we need to be aware of. Unfortunately, our present FDA doesn’t regulate against thousands of dangerous chemicals spread throughout our marketplace, so we must assume the responsibility as consumers to do our own research, read labels, and buy products that we know and trust are not harmful to us and our families. It is only by refusing to buy dangerous products that the big corporations making them will lose their power over the marketplace.

Chris: There are multiple compounds in most commercial sunscreens that are a very real concern. These common active ingredients are known hormone disruptors. This fact is not new and it is not debated. They are generally synthetic and/or petrochemical in origin. You may think that you’re safe substituting Avobenzone instead of Oxybenzone, but the fact is that commercial sunscreens contain chemical combinations that have never been tested for their safety. This includes the stabilizers and skin penetration enhancers, the rest of the toxic stuff used to preserve it and make it look and smell pretty.

These ingredients in combination are known to act synergistically in a harmful way. Yet while the FDA is aware that the ingredients in most sunscreen are toxic, they claim that that the risk of skin cancer outweighs the toxic ingredients. To add to the confusion, they also state that, “The FDA is not aware of data demonstrating that sunscreen use alone helps prevent skin cancer.” It is also a known fact that most commercial sunscreens fail to adequately protect against UVA.

Chris, where did your research to create Avasol start?

Chris: Since no one was coming to the rescue with a sunscreen that met my stringent requirements of functionality, quality and sustainability, I had to start from scratch. Looking back, it was that vacuum that pushed me to the out-of-the-box thinking that was needed. The question began as “what were our ancestors doing centuries ago to protect themselves”? Some of the evidence even pre-dates written history, but it became clear that there was a better way, and none of it included synthetic UV absorbers, petrochemicals, or nano particle sized minerals.

What are the benefits of using wholesome ingredients?

Chris: The unexpected benefits are abundant and significant, because I was studying for clues in ethno-pharmacology, or indigenous/traditional medicine. It makes sense that what was used for millennia to treat and protect the skin might have modern application too. Since the FDA regulates sunscreen as a drug, manufacturers may not make medical claims other than “may prevent sunburn,” but it’s pretty obvious the variety of benefits that might be derived from using traditional medicinals as your base.

The antioxidant laden ingredients that I found were the biggest lesson, not just the ones that you put on your skin, but the ones that you eat! Not only are antioxidants good for protecting you from sun damage, but it is essential for your health in general. Visible changes in people's skin and anti-aging benefits are no small thing for many of people, and one of the most popular side benefits with our products.

Avasol's biodegradable packaging. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Avasol cream. Refill packages available to reduce plastic waste. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

What is some common greenwashing that you’ve seen other suncare brands claim, and what did you want to make sure you were doing right with Avasol?

Chris: Today, it seems that marketing and misleading go hand in hand - ranging from subtle overstatements to outright and blatant lies. Greenwashing preys on peoples desire to do the right thing, and the fact is that it is confusing and time-consuming to understand it all. By far, the hall of shame award should go to the company who trademarked the term “reef safe”, yet who use the exact ingredients [Oxybenzone, etc.] that are proven to kill the reefs.

Perhaps there are companies who are simply ignorant, but the results are the same. Simply containing mineral actives, like Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide, does not make a product safe, especially if it is in nano particle form and if the rest of the ingredients are known to be toxic. What about the “all natural,” “reef safe” sunscreen that contains Alumina, which is known to kill fish and other aquatic life? I could go on, and on… There are no perfect solutions, and humans tend to damage the environment regardless. My goal was to simply do the very best that I could, without regard to cost, or the nay-sayers. It is an exciting process to continually find ways to do it better and with less impact.

What are the red flags consumers look for when choosing sunscreen to ensure it’s healthy for their body, and reef safe?

Chris: Unfortunately the terms “Organic”, “Natural”, “non-nano” and “Reef Safe” are now huge red flags for me. Manufacturers rely on the fact that most people don’t bother to flip the product over and read the ingredients. And if they do, the chances are that they won’t understand anyway.

Considering that the safest active ingredients for sunscreens are “Inorganic” minerals, claiming that a sunscreen is “Organic” is confusing and totally misleading.

Bottom line, if your sunscreen is clear, it’s probably not safe. The safety of clear sunscreens is impossible—both standard and mineral types. Any time you see a formula that is clear, it is going to either contain UV absorbing actives like Oxybenzone, etc., or if it’s a mineral formula, it will contain nano-particles. There is currently no regulation on disclosure of nanoparticles, so many products that now claim to be ‘non-nano’ are also clear!? So we must decipher between claims of ‘natural’, ‘mineral’, ‘organic’, ‘reef-friendly’ sunscreens, by reading the labels and making sure the product is not invisible when rubbed into the skin.

A non-toxic, non-nano particle based sunscreen will always come in the form of a visible, ‘physical barrier’.

What other ingredients should consumers look for in their sunscreen to determine if they are responsibly made?

Chris: While “Chemical-sounding names” can be a warning, “Chemical Free” is a huge red flag too. Zinc Oxide [ZNO] and water [H2O] are technically chemicals, so this is really misleading. Look for and avoid ingredients that are derived from petroleum - Petrolatum, Mineral oil, polyethylene (PEGs), etc are but a few examples. Also, avoid ingredients ending in …cone, as these are silicone derivatives. Obviously, avoid anything related to parabens. Synthetic “fragrance” or “parfum” is a big one to avoid. When in doubt, look it up.

The number of ingredients in a formula and your ability to pronounce them has no real basis to judge a product. Even the safest botanicals must be listed in their Latin name, so good luck using pronunciation as a measure of safety. But DO watch out for companies who make it difficult to find both the active and inactive ingredients. By law, it has to be on the product package, but many leave it off their website, making it difficult to do your research.

Here is great tip to make you a sunscreen detective or in any personal care product — look for water as an ingredient. The first reason is that if there’s water, there MUST be a chemical preservative, and likely an emulsifier too. If you are an active, outdoor person, a surfer, or simply don’t want to pay for a cheap filler that increases the likelihood of toxic chemical ingredients, think about this… if it’s a water-based formula, isn’t it way more likely to wash right off in the water? Or sweat off?

On that topic, any sunscreen that claims “Waterproof” is basically bogus.

After lathering up, Leah goes for a surf in the Solanas Surf Suit. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Leah in the Solanas Surf Suit. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Do sunscreens really prevent skin cancer? What regulations are in place to protect consumers?

Chris: If your sunscreen promises to prevent skin cancer, know that this is designed more to promote fear and increase sales than to protect and educate… But it is time to start looking at the entire picture and considering other factors in our lifestyles, diet and environment. We know that what you eat plays just as big a part in protecting you from the sun and preventing cancers. What about all of the other toxins and carcinogens we expose ourselves to on a daily basis? What if they acted as a catalyst?

It is also critically important to understand that making sunscreen is serious business and it is strictly regulated by the FDA. While the FDA allows a lot of questionable and flat out toxic things in commercial sunscreen and personal care products, they also require a lot of extremely important safety testing. If a company even remotely suggests that a product might protect you from the sun, it’s sunscreen - there is no way around it. It is tempting to support small start-ups, especially if they are trying to do the right thing by making an “organic” product. But, did they do an actual SPF test? What about water resistance tests? What about clinical/allergy testing? Is each and every ingredient tested on every batch? Did they audit the suppliers for their organic, or sustainability claims?

Avasol started in the kitchen too, but there are no excuses for knowingly cutting corners. There is a right way, and a wrong way… Know that Avasol is legit, and has done all of the required testing, and more. Feel free to make it in your kitchen yourself, if you are so inclined [*I will even give you an open-source formula]. It’s just not worth the risk to support sunscreen manufacturers who don’t bother to be street legal. If they don’t do any testing, or register with the FDA, what else are they cutting corners on?

Do a search here to see if a company is legitimate and registered with the FDA.

Thanks Chris and Leah for this wealth of knowledge! To shop these products and more answers to your own sunscreen questions, go to Avasol.com.

MORE STORIES FOR YOUR HEALTH:

Best Seea Suits for Yoga

2015-10-21T18:05:00-07:00

Amy in the Zuma Surf Suit in Burgundy. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Leave your smartphone and distractions at home, the common threads we love about surfing and yoga is that both practices snap us into the present moment with our breath, the horizon, and our inner selves.

We rounded up the best Seea suits for surf and yoga to lengthen your limbs and limits, tested by Amy Reda, our resident yogi Seeababe who teaches both practices. Most people associate yoga with the acrobatic poses, but Amy said her practice is equally mental as it is physical.

"Many great teachers have taught me that yoga isn't just about poses — though they can be fun and feel good. Yoga was meant to be a process of preparing the body for deep states of meditation, and I believe that to be true as well," Amy says.

Amy wears the Pavones in Tiles. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Amy wears the Capitola Top and Balboa Leggings in Blue Tide. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

We caught up with Amy to gain deeper insights into her practice, and what she looks for in her yoga clothes.

Why do you like practicing yoga? How does it make you feel afterwards?

I love yoga because it helps to quiet my mind and connect me to my inner self. Like surfing, yoga can be meditative and can be a tool used to greater connect one with his/her "true" self, and with others too! It might sound cheesy, but I really do believe yoga can help harmoniously connect one's body, mind and soul.

How does yoga go hand in hand with surfing?

Surfing is a lot like meditation. Its difficult to be attached to your thoughts when you're on a wave :) But practicing meditation — without any tools except your breath — can be a bit more challenging than just going out and surfing. I think you can get so much out of both, so I prefer to do both.

A meditation practice can help you so much in the water as well! It can help you to stay calm, and to find your inner peace in hairy situations. It can help you to keep your cool when you feel like you 'owned' the wave that someone just burned you on. Easier said than done. But I've noticed in myself, over the years of practicing more yoga and mediation, that I've been able to let go of a lot of superficial things. Yoga and stretching of course can help increase your strength and flexibility, which can positively lead to a more enjoyable surfing experience!

Amy wears the Capitola Top and Balboa Leggings in Blue Tide. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

What do you look for in clothes that you wear for yoga? What features are important to you and why?

First and foremost, I want comfort. Like I said, I'm going to be meditating after a yoga session, and the last thing I want is to be distracted by something that is rubbing me the wrong way. It can also be nice to wear something pretty and something that makes you feel good. When I'm teaching kids yoga, I usually wear really bright colors, fun prints and patterns, but also something appropriate.

The special features of the Pavones Top and Mid-Rise Bottom. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

The special features on the Capitola Bikini Top and Balboa Leggings. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

You also teach yoga to children. How is teaching yoga to kids different than teaching to adults? What can we learn from them?

I've taught yoga classes for adults and kids over the years. I enjoy both but I love teaching kids! For one, I think a lot of kids need yoga and meditation in their lives and if I have the ability to teach people at a young age how to find more inner peace, then I'm happy to do that. Kids are easier to mold. It can be more challenging to work with adults because some already have their minds made up.

Kids aren't looking for "a good workout" or looking to "tone their arms." They just want to have fun and thats pretty refreshing to work with. What's challenging is keeping them engaged. Therefore, every class we will usually do lots of yoga games, partner yoga, acro yoga, yoga-related crafts, guided meditations, and breathing exercises, like "the bunny breath". We are really just trying to get them to find confidence and love for themselves, their classmates and the earth.

Thank you Amy!

Amy wears the Capitola Top and Balboa Leggings in Blue Tide. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

MORE YOGA AND HEALTH:

3 Yoga Stretches for Surfers by I Love Waves

2015-08-14T17:55:00-07:00

Photo of Eva Estandler courtesy of I Love Waves.

What you remember after an amazing session: those precious seconds of flying on water; marveling at the light shining through the crests of liquid glass. What you don’t remember, but your body does the next day: so much paddling; twisting and untwisting your waist like a towel; the awkward falls in between.

While you’re frothing to get wet, let devoted yoga practitioners Eva Estlander and Leah Nicole Tisdale be the angels on your shoulder whispering in your ear to take a few breaths and stretch before and after paddling out. “Stretching saves lives and surfers! We really believe this!” exclaim Eva and Leah, who host the yoga and surf retreats, I Love Waves, in Sayulita, Mexico. "Lets extend our surfing lives into our 80's!"

“The ocean has so many gifts to offer our minds, bodies and spirits but without adequate stretching — pre and post surf — our bodies will soon build up resistance to the natural fluidity of our physical movements, in and out of the water,” they continue.

Left, Eva Estandler wears the Hermosa Surf Suit in Earth Waves. Right, Leah Nicole Tisdale wears the Zuma Surf Suit in Black Stripe. Photo courtesy of I Love Waves.

Coming from different backgrounds — Eva is from Finland with a master’s degree in economics, and Leah studied writing, psychology and dance, plus is an avid snowboarder, surfer and paddle boarder — and the kindred souls converged in their shared love for the benefits of a deep yoga practice, and the sunny surf lifestyle in Sayulita, Mexico.

Their I Love Waves yoga and surf retreats in Mexico (look out for their all-women "Las Diosas" packages) are the perfect answer to hitting the reset button on your body and mind in a paradise location. Here, Eva and Leah shared with us their top three favorite asanas (poses and physical stretches) that target the muscles surfers use most to guide your happy, limber body to a more relaxed day.

By: Eva Estlander and Leah Nicole Tisdale, I Love Waves in Sayulita

Eva demonstrates the side stretch wearing the Riviera One-Piece. Photo courtesy of I Love Waves.

Seated Side Stretch

This pose targets the lats (muscle groups on your mid-back) and teres major muscles (the muscles around your back shoulder blades) which are constantly engaged while you're chasing waves in the water. Practice this pose after every surf sesh and your body will thank you.

1. Start in a comfortable seated position, either on your knees or crossed legged.

2. Send your right arm over your head supporting yourself with the other arm on the ground. Allow your arm to raise toward the side of your head for a deeper stretch. Try to maintain your chest open and look up towards the sky.

3. Add Gyan Mudra by joining the tip of your thumb and index finger together to cultivate peace, calm and relaxation.

4. Hold for 5-10 long breaths and change sides.

Leah demonstrates the Prasarita Padottanasana wearing the Zuma One-Piece. Photo by Danielle Gillett photography, courtesy of I Love Waves.

Prasarita Padottanasana Variation

This pose stretches out testy hamstrings while allowing the heart center to fly! The extension through the spine and lower back feels good, as those are compromised from paddling.

1. Start in a standing Tadasana Mountain pose (the bases of your big toes touching, heels slightly apart, with your weight balanced evenly between your two feet) at the front of your mat. Breathe!

2. Jump or step slowly into wide leg standing pose so body is now parallel with mat. It's your choice how wide apart you'd like your legs, just make sure heels are turned out slightly an toes are turned in slightly. Press down through the big toe mounds and heels ~ long hammies ~ extended toes. Place hands on hips.

3. Take your Drishti gaze up towards the sky. Begin to slowly look toward the Earth. Allow body to follow by lifting your chest and heart center into a subtle back bend, slowly diving chest forward, with a long spine.

4. As chest moves forward, place right hand on the mat (or a block) directly under your heart center.

5. Deep inhale and spiral left hand towards the sky. Nice long limbs, energy running from one palm to the other!

6. If neck is tight keep your gaze towards the Earth. If it's comfortable, take gaze towards the left hand reaching into that big beautiful sky.

7. Stay here for 10 breaths: five breaths with arm reaching towards the sky, and five breathes with extended arm wrapping around lower back and clasping inner right thigh for the bind.

8. Repeat pose on opposite side.

9. If you have wrist troubles, this pose is also available from the forearm instead of the palm of the hand, with a wider stance. Place elbow and forearm onto mat or block and extend from here.

Leah demonstrates the Triangle Pose wearing the Zuma One-Piece. Photo by Danielle Gillett Photography, courtesy of I Love Waves.

Triangle Pose This pose is amazing for opening and stretching your shoulders and chest. It also increases torso rotation and lengthens the spine.1. Start in standing Tadasana Mountain pose (the bases of your big toes touching, heels slightly apart, with your weight balanced evenly between your two feet) and on an out breath, step your feet wide, and parallel on the mat.2. Turn your right leg, including your thigh, knee and foot, out by 90 degrees.3. While inhaling, raise both hands in an upward direction in such a way that they will be parallel to the ground with palms facing downwards. Make sure your feet are pressing into the earth and the weight of your body is equally balanced on both feet.4. Rest your right hand on your ankle or your shin, if possible, send it to the Earth. Stretch your left arm to the sky. Take your Drishti gaze up towards the sky and breathe. Stay here for 5-10 smooth breaths.5. Repeat pose on opposite side.

To find out more about I Love Waves yoga and surf retreats, private lessons (or just a post-surf margarita) in Sayulita visit their website: ILoveWaves.com.

LAS DIOSAS retreats from higher latitude films on Vimeo.

Leah ends her stretches with a moment of gratitude. Photo by Danielle Gillett Photography.

MORE HEALTH AND WELLNESS:

Kauai Juice Co.'s beverage cures for post-surf hydration, a hangover or beating a cold

2014-06-25T14:56:00-07:00

Seeababe Ashley Johnston at Kauai Juice Co.

Like a salad in a bottle, a fresh juice can make you feel your best before paddling out, and is a way to love and nourish your body after a sweaty session.

Our latest juice obsession is Kauai Juice Co., a new shop that makes it easy to choose the right juice blend for what your body needs. Seeababe and Kauai, Hawaii resident Ashley Johnston got a tour of the local juice shop that uses locally sourced vegetables and cold-pressed juicing method.

Unlike the boxed juices at grocery stores that use flash-pasteurization (this sterilizes the juice and destroys the live enzymes and nutrients), Kauai Juice Co uses the cold pressed method with the Norwalk Press. This leaves all the vital nutrients and enzymes intact for two to four days, allowing your body to absorb them efficiently. Each drink is packed with three to six pounds of veggies!

Read on for Kauai Juice Co.’s top blends for a quick boost of energy, cleaning out your gut, and getting over a cold bug.

Mainlanders: try these combos out at home if you have your own juicer, or request these blends at your local cold-pressed juice bars.

Order up! Ashley picks out her juices for the day.

To make your morning coffee healthier… The Best Breakfast. Macadamia milk, cashew milk, cold brewed coffee, cacao, agave, Hawaiian vanilla bean, Hawaiian sea salt.

"If you drink coffee on a regular basis you should try cold brew coffee. It’s a small, easy change that can have big effects on your health. Cold brewed coffee is 67% less acidic then hot brewed coffee. Disease and infection flourish in acidic environments so its important not to let your body become one. Cold brewed coffee is also more concentrated in caffeine. One ounce of cold brew has as much caffeine as 8 ounces of hot brew. It gives a long lasting, non-jittery energy buzz. Combined with macadamia nuts, cashews and alkaline water, the best breakfast will keep you satisfied and energized well into lunch time."

Photo courtesy of Kauai Juice Co.

The shot you should always have in your fridge: The Lifesaver: Turmeric, Ginger, Garlic, Apple Cider Vinegar, Hawaiian Chili Pepper

"This shot has such a potent mix of medicinal ingredients that nothing bad can flourish in it. It can replace 90% of the products in your medicine cabinet. Ginger and turmeric alone can be used to treat a multitude of health issues. They improve digestion, reduce nausea, gas, constipation, bloating, and cramps. Garlic and chili peppers stimulate cardiovascular circulation, reduce heart disease, and detoxify the blood. This mix is potent medicine for whatever ails you, and it will also give you gorgeous skin."

If you're feeling a cold coming on… The Lifesaver Shot (above) and The Glow: Kale, Chard, Romaine, Celery, Cucumber, Parsley, Apple, Lemon, Ginger.

"Lack of energy is usually a sign that we are deficient in some vital nutrient. One of the best ways to increase nutrient intake and boost your immune system is to eat lots of raw vegetables. The glow contains four pounds of local, organic greens in each bottle, with just a hint of sweetness and tart. When your body is well nourished, and hydrated, it can perform optimally and you have the energy to pursue your wildest dreams."

Kauai Juice Co. uses fresh veggies.

Robin Fisher and owner Kristal Veighl of Kauai Juice Co. Photo by Bryce Johnson.

To cleanse your gut and boost your metabolism…The Omega. Pineapple, guava, sour sop, coconut water, chia seeds, fractionated coconut oil.

"Fractionated coconut oil is one of the most easily absorbable sources of medium chain triglycerides (MCT), which provide innumerable health benefits. One unique feature of MCT oil is that is has the ability to break down the hardened mucous and plaque that form on the inside of our intestinal walls as a result of stress, processed foods, and toxins. The average person has 5-10 pounds of this toxic waste stewing in their belly. MCT oil breaks it down and escorts it out of your body leaving you feeling instantly lighter and more energized.

MCT oil also gives you more energy in the long run because you can get more nutrients out of your food once all that toxic waste is out of the way. Our favorite part about MCT oil is it's ability to signal to your brain that your body has all the necessary fats and in response your body releases its stored fat. It’s the opposite of starvation mode. Chia seeds provide protein, soluble and insoluble fiber, omega threes, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. All promoting bone, oral, and brain health."

To Defeat the hangover... The Blood Transfusion: Coconut water, E3live, lemon, and beet.

"Did you know that Coconut water is identical to your blood plasma? Coconut water has even been used as an emergency substitute for IV solutions. The molecular structure of E3live (is a strain of wild, organic, blue green algae) is identical to hemoglobin (red blood cells). We combine these with a splash of lemon and beet juice to increase circulation, so you get a complete blood transfusion within minutes."

Drink up! Ashley wears the Seea Riviera in Seaglass.

For optimal athletic performance… The Mo Beta. Beet, carrot, apple, lemon, ginger, beets.

"All ingredients are high in iron and naturally occurring nitrites. These nitrites increase a molecule in the blood vessels called nitric oxide, which increases blood flow and oxygen flow. This results in increased stamina and endurance, and decreased recovery time. Beets also raise hemoglobin levels, lower blood pressure, and balance oxygen flow allowing the body to be its most efficient. Beets also cleanse the blood of toxins. Beets are an underappreciated super food and should be a part of anyone’s diet if they want to perform optimally."

After a hot surf session... The Mintacolada: Pineapple, coconut water and mint.

"Electrolyte-rich Coconut water is a great way to rehydrate after exercise. Pineapple is high in Manganese, a micronutrient that is necessary for healthy bones and connective tissue, to help avoid knee and shoulder injuries. We toss in mint, which makes it deadly delicious, and is also known to improve mental clarity, relieve depression, and clarify your skin and eyes."

Ashley, energized for her session. Photo by Alex Swanson.

Don't forget the post-surf juice! Photo by Alex Swanson.

In the mood for a smoothie instead? Try Lucy's superfood smoothie recipe!

Shop the suit Ashley is wearing: The Riviera in Sea Glass.

Protect that Pretty Skin with Pale Girl's Easy Advice

2014-05-14T10:36:00-07:00

Author, three-time melanoma survivor and longtime Seea fan, Hillary Fogelson in the original Doheny rashguard.

Fact-filled information about how to protect yourself from skin cancer can be a hard pill to swallow when it’s coming from a doctor’s clinical language. Not the case when talking to author of the memoir, Pale Girl Speaks, Hillary Fogelson who's a pro at dispensing small bits of advice that can make a big difference, and are are easy as pie to remember.

In honor of May being National Skin Cancer Awareness Month, we called upon Hillary again for a brush up on skin cancer prevention schooling. Hillary isn't a doctor, but her memoir, Pale Girl Speaks recounts her first-hand experience going through melanoma treatment that’s touching and personal, while also being an educational journey alongside her.

Now a three-time melanoma survivor, mother of two daughters and skin cancer prevention activist, Hillary gives us her tips for sun protection for yourself and how to get your kids in healthy routine practices early on.

Left, the cover of the Pale Girl Speaks book and some useful advice from Hillary on her website.

Pale Girl Sun Protection Tips

"A single application of sunscreen doesn't last all day, sorry ladies! Whether you're spending a long afternoon at the park with your kids, or surfing the waves, reapplication is a must! Also, it's important to apply sunscreen to dry skin — unless the product specifically says it can be applied to wet — and wait 10-15 minutes for the sunscreen to fully absorb into your skin and start working before you head outside or in the water."

"Don't use a vacation as an opportunity to try a new sunscreen. Buy products a week or two before you go away so you have a chance to see if the sunscreen works for your skin."

"If you have short hair, remember to apply plenty of sunscreen to the back of your neck and your ears. Ears get tons of sun exposure and many people forget to slather them up!"

Don't forget to reapply throughout the day. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

"Never leave sunscreen in a hot car or out on the sand. Ironically, when the active ingredients in sunscreen get hot, they become less effective. If you're at the beach, wrap your SPF in a towel or keep it under an umbrella with plenty of shade."

"Wondering the best way to teach your kids about the importance of sun protection? Teach by example! If your kids see you incorporating sunscreen into your daily routine, they'll be more likely to do the same. And it's so much easier to get your kids to wear long sleeve rash guards if you're wearing one yourself. Trust me!"

"Not all sunglasses are created equal! And just because they're dark doesn't mean they give adequate UV protection. Always look for a tag or sticker that tells the amount of UV protection you're getting."

"If you're spending long hours in the water, save time by wearing a long sleeve rashguard to protect your arms, neck, shoulders and back. It will cut down on your time spent applying SPF...and you'll look like a real surfer!"

"Damage done by a sunburn lasts forever. So no sunburns, please!"

Pale Girl's daughters cover up in special Seea rashguards.

Glowing and comfortable in her healthy pale skin, Hillary Fogelson photographed by Sue Bryce for Olay.

Don't miss out on Hillary's entire emotionally personal story, read our last interview with her here.

Get more sun safety advice on our last post with Respect the Rays' Timna Understein.

Be Stylish and Covered with Respect The Rays' Sun Safe Packing List

2014-05-12T12:21:00-07:00

Timna Understein of Respect The Rays skin cancer awareness blog always carries her "brelli" with her that's 99% UV protective.

As a kid growing up in hot New Mexico and California, Timna Understein spent a lot of time soaking up the sunshine, but never worried that it was a big deal when she got sunburned or tanned from staying out on the beach or by the pool too long.

At age 38, Timna discovered a black dot on the bottom of her foot and had an instinct it wasn't just a freckle. After getting checked out by a doctor, she found out that she had melanoma. “I was in shock. I had an appointment with an oncologist, and scheduled for chest X-rays and surgery. I had no idea what melanoma actually meant — that it was way more than just a disease of the skin,” Timna says.

Timna, who holds a masters degree in Education, started Respect The Rays blog and Facebook page in 2012 to share personal stories about living with melanoma and raising awareness for prevention. Being a mother of three children, she initially targeted educating teens and speaking at high schools, but her audience quickly grew wider.

“I am always hoping that people who have never had melanoma can learn from my experience and not have to experience it themselves. I had to learn the hard way. I also hope people feel they can live life fully, travel, be active, be outdoors, but doing it with sun safety as top priority. Once I had a cancer diagnosis, after the initial fear subsided, I wanted to live more, travel more, get out there and make the most of life and this big world," Timna says.

Wherever she goes, Timna makes sure that she has all of her essential sun protective gear with her. She shared with us what’s going in her suitcase to her next destination: Israel to keep her skin covered when exploring the deserts, Dead Sea, beaches and open-air markets.

Respect the Rays's Sun Safety Travel Essentials

Destination: Israel

Photo of the port of Jaffe adjacent to Tel Aviv, Israel by Ron Shoshani on Flickr. Map of Irael bordering the Mediterranean Sea.

Timna's Seea favorites. The Palomar Rashguard in Tea Leaf and Jalama bikini in Tea Leaf.

For the pool or beach: “The Seea Palomar Crop Top Rashguard and Jalama Bikini will be my water adventure go-to! The retro-inspired Tea Leaf print had me hooked at first glance. I love rashguards as they simplify my water/sunscreen routine, allowing for less reapplication of sunscreen to the protected body parts covered by the rashguard. When I find when that I adore style-wise, I’m all over it. Style + Sun Protection= Perfect."

Timna imitates art in the Parque de Maria Luisa in Seville, Spain, with her Brelli.

All day Portable Shade: The Brelli. “If my Brelli had a passport, it would be filled with stamps! This beautiful, miracle comes with me EVERYWHERE! The Brelli will accompany me through the streets and alleyways of Jerusalem, the bustling city of Tel Aviv, the open-air markets, my hike up Masada National Park, and more! And although it has a “clear” appearance, it’s 99% UV protective. The Brelli draws attention of passersby and is a conversation starter."

Timna's favorite wide brimmed hat, sunscreen by Blue Lizard, Acure Organics and EltaMD for face.

Pictured clockwise from top left:

Must-Have Hat: “I knew right away when I saw the Cabana Life Straw Sunset Hat, it was going to be a favorite! It’s beautifully woven, goes with everything, wide-brimmed, UPF 50+ material, floppy, and packable.”

For the body: “Right now, my two favorite sunscreens are Blue Lizard Sensitive 30+, and Acure Organics. Both of them are mineral-based, chemical-free, paraben-free, fragrance-free, and for my skin, have a good texture and don’t make me rashy."

For the Face: “EltaMD UV Clear has been a staple of mine for years. I use it everyday, and typically try to have one in my bathroom, and one in my purse…because one is never enough.”

Timna doubles up in a hat and her Brelli.

Follow Timna's personal journey and sun-safety advice on Respect the Rays' Facebook page, blog and Twitter.

Get educated on more ways to protect your pretty skin in our previous blog post on Pale Girl Speaks' Hillary Fogelson.

Surfing Through Pregnancy - What to Know

2014-02-07T19:38:00-08:00

Margaret Yao Calvani at seven months pregnant. Photo courtesy of Kemi Vernon.

Is it safe to surf while pregnant? That was one of the first questions that Seea designer Amanda Chinchelli asked her doctor when she became pregnant. If the thought of giving up your favorite ocean pastime for nearly a year sounds impossible, we found out that many pregnant women surfers felt the same way and figured out a way to keep the stoke alive into their third trimesters.

We asked our expecting mama friends Margaret Yao Calvani, general manager of Bing & Jacobs Surfboards, and active surfer Arianne Bettazzi to share their personal experiences of surfing while pregnant into their third trimesters.

Everyone's body, pregnancy and surfing skills are unique. Please consult with your doctor and be aware of your body's comfort and limitations to keep your baby healthy!

Is it safe to surf while pregnant?

Amanda Chinchelli: This was the first question to my doctor as soon as I found out I was pregnant. She told me it’s really important to keep active while pregnant and if surfing is my sport and I feel comfortable, yes, it was safe. Of course you have to be more aware of the people around you and avoid falling in certain ways, but if you are proficient you should be able to continue to surf confidently.

Margaret Yao Calvani : I couldn’t and wouldn’t speak for everyone, but in my case, I think surfing is safe while I’m pregnant. I’ve been surfing regularly, 3 to 5 days per week for the last 15 years and was a competitive swimmer and water polo player before that, so I’d almost say I’m more comfortable in water than on land, less clumsy I’m sure! I take a lot of precautions while surfing pregnant, from the boards I ride, to the conditions, wave size/power, and most importantly, the crowd density. I feel confident in my ability to control my body and surfboard, but I can’t predict what others will do. As I get further along in my pregnancy, I also strongly consider each wave I paddle for to reduce the risk of falling and potential injury. I am always very conscientious to finish each wave by pulling out before any close-out sections and in control of my board, avoiding any bailing or wipeouts.

Amanda's baby bump under her wetsuit. Thanks to John at Catch Surf for the custom Beater!

Arianne Bettazzi: According to my doctor it is safe to do anything that you did on a regular basis before you were pregnant as long as you are comfortable doing it, still have your balance, and you are aware of your body and know not to push it, and especially stop if you feel any pain. I worked out a lot before I became pregnant and easy pregnancies run in my family so what I feel comfortable with is probably way different than other women.

Dr. Robert Bradley, a well known ob-gyn, has a great paragraph about doing sports while pregnant in his book, "Husband Coached Childbirth." It basically says that your fetus is safe while doing activities. To get a comparison of what it is like, take a balloon and fill it with air which would symbolize the fetus. Take the small air balloon (the fetus) and put it in a larger thick balloon and fill that balloon with water. Now push on the outer balloon and you'll see that no matter how you try you can't rupture the smaller balloon because it moves when you push on the outer balloon. You can definitely pop the outer balloon but it is very hard to get to the smaller balloon because the water (amniotic fluid) equalizes the pressure. Dr. Bradley's premise is that you have to be careful not to hurt yourself but the fetus is pretty well-protected. That being said, I'm a lot more timid when I surf. I won’t share waves and if it's too big, I stay onshore. One of the main reasons I still feel comfortable surfing is that I'm a strong ocean swimmer and feel perfectly safe swimming for a long distance in the ocean.

Arianne catching a wave. Photo courtesy of Kemi Vernon.

Up to how many months did you surf pregnant?

Amanda: In my first four months surfing was the only thing it would make my nausea go away. The fresh water and the fun distracted me. I thought I was going to be able to surf until I was about seven months but my last wave was at early six months in Hawaii and it wasn't even that fun. We were in Waikiki and I had way too many people around me, my belly was already pretty big and I needed my husband to push me into the wave as knee paddling I was not able to get any momentum. I caught two waves and then I decided it was way more fun to swim and bodysurf.

Margaret: I’m currently at seven months pregnant and I am still surfing. I figure I’ll have to stop eventually, but it still doesn’t feel like time yet. 

Arianne: I'm still surfing and I'm 34 weeks pregnant but it's getting harder and harder.  

Margaret pulls a cheater five. Photo courtesy of Kemi Vernon.

Can you lay on your belly?

Amanda: Yes, but it was really uncomfortable for me after the fifth month. My doctor told me to listen to my body and I decided what to do based on that.

Margaret: At six months it started to feel uncomfortable paddling prone on a longboard because of the board’s flotation and the pressure against my belly. I didn’t want to smush my poor baby! But I discovered that I could ride shorter boards and because the boards were thinner and shorter, the tails sank substantially making room for my belly to float just above the board. At five months, I was still riding my 5’6 Bing Dharma 2.0 and at six months, I switched to a fuller volume 5’5 Bing Puck. But now at seven months and 15 pounds later, I’ve jumped up to a 5’10 Bing Dharma made of EPS to give me more float and glide when paddling and easier entry into the wave, not to mention more stability when I pop-up — which has definitely slowed down a bit! The Bing Dharma also has a concave deck so I barely notice that I have a big belly when I’m paddling. I’m super lucky to have access to so many different style and sizes of surfboards — perks for marrying a surfboard shaper!  

Arianne: You can lay on your belly as long as you are comfortable with it. If you start to feel queasy or it hurts you should not lay on your belly anymore. I usually float next to my board while I wait for sets. I cannot eat before I surf otherwise I get indigestion. Also, I sometimes feel out of breath a bit easier, so my surf sessions tend to be shorter and I'm exhausted afterwards.  

Amanda cushions her body with a foam surfboard.

How do you paddle?

Amanda: I always knee paddle, and that worked fine until my belly was too big to get my hands in water. It was fun while it lasted, though!

Margaret: When it does get too small or weak to ride my 5’10 Bing Dharma (ankle to waist high), then I’ll get on my 9’6 Bing Elevator or Bing Silver Spoon and knee paddle out into the lineup. I have a history of knee injuries so I try to keep knee paddling to a minimum. I’ll still prone-paddle into the waves but I try to put all the weight on my chest and knees so that I’m not laying flat and putting all the pressure on my belly. As soon as the waves are at least waist high plus, I switch over to my 5’10 Bing Dharma and can paddle prone on that board very easily without feeling the slightest bit of discomfort.  

Arianne: I paddle like normal on my belly because I never learned how to knee paddle. These days I paddle a lot slower because my board goes side to side a lot more as I get bigger. It's definitely a lot harder to catch waves and I have to start paddling a lot sooner to catch anything.  

Arianne with her longboard. Photo courtesy of Kemi Vernon.

What kind of board do you use that's easiest to paddle and feel safe?

Amanda: After my fifth month I surfed on a nine-foot foam board. I felt safer in case of any accidents and also it was way more comfortable on my feet when knee paddling.

Margaret: Contrary to what most people think and what might seem logical, I’ve become more of a “shortboarder” while pregnant and I only longboard when I have no other choice. The reasons are because longboards are:

(a) heavy to carry down our long trails and I’m already carrying around extra prego weight,

(b) they’re also heavier to turn in the water which causes a lot of torque on your back, an area that already gets sensitive when you’re prego,

(c) my instinct is always to walk forward on my longboard to get a noseride and this increases your chance of losing balance and falling,

(d) there’s a lot of board to fall on or bump into when and if you do fall. So in my opinion, longboards can be a bit more dangerous to surf in pregnancy, as opposed to my lightweight EPS 5’10 Bing Dharma which is a breeze to carry anywhere, easy to paddle, can be duck dove under sets, and if I have to fall, I can kick it away from myself to ensure that I don’t bump into it.

Arianne: I love my Bing Karma 7'6" single-fin egg. I love that board and while pregnant have surfed all over Southern California, as well as Sri Lanka and Mexico. I choose that board because I'm the most comfortable and familiar with it and it surfs well on all different waves and it's thick enough to float me even pregnant.

Amanda and Brian when they broke the news to friends and family.

What other kinds of exercise do you do if you can't surf?

Amanda: In my experience swimming is the best thing you can do pregnant. It feels amazing, no gravity and a great workout. The rhythm of breathing is also very meditative and I think a good preparation for birth. Baby likes it, too as she gets rocked back and forth.

Margaret: I do yoga regularly because I've read that it’s a great way to get your body strong, limber and ready for childbirth, but I also ride a stationary bike at home when I’m short on time or go for walks and hikes when the surf is flat, too big or too crowded.   

Arianne: I still ride my road bike, do pilates, yoga, weight lifting, and hike. I really focus on keeping in shape so that I still feel safe to surf. I can still do planks in yoga and pilates and I spend a lot of time trying to keep my core and back strong to protect my body from injury. I'm not sure how much longer I will be able to surf, I only have six weeks left to go until my son is born but as of now I still feel comfortable surfing—if only I didn't have to deal with getting the wetsuit on and off!

Margaret in Mexico wearing the Seea Swami's Playsuit. Photo courtesy of Kemi Vernon.

What advice do you have for women who want to surf when pregnant?

Amanda: Pay attention to your body and stay away from kooks and crowded spots.

Margaret: I think the most important thing is to know your own limitations — only continue with any activity if you feel confident and it feels “right.” Everyone’s body is different and everyone’s pregnancy is different too. I would definitely reconsider my choice to continue surfing if I had a high-risk pregnancy or didn’t have the confidence to maintain control of my body and my surfboard. Each time I choose to paddle-out, I don’t do it willy-nilly or haphazardly. I consider all the factors that I mentioned previously and even still, when I’m out in the line-up I try to stay very vigilant and aware of who can surf and who’s out of control and to try and predict where people will try to go on a wave so that I can be a step ahead and avoid potential collisions.

Arianne: Consult with your doctor and make sure it's safe for you. Every person has a different body and a different pregnancy. I've had an easy, healthy pregnancy and I worked out a lot before I was pregnant and have continued to do so throughout my pregnancy, but what works for me may not work for another person. If you feel safe to surf then surf. If you ever feel that you are endangering yourself or your baby or if it hurts, then get out of the water and you may be done for the day or you may be done for your pregnancy. Be more cautious, stay away from crowds, and don't feel guilty for bailing your board if you feel like holding on to it will put you at risk. Realize that surfing is going to be a lot harder and you will catch a lot less waves and be okay with it. Sometimes it's super frustrating and I'm over surfing and other times I love it because when I'm riding a wave I feel like a normal person instead of a woman with a huge basketball strapped to the front of me. Your back will hurt as you get further along so you may only be able to surf a few times a week, make sure you do yoga or something to stretch out your back. Get someone to help you put on and take off the wetsuit — that is seriously the hardest part of surfing these days - and stop when it's not fun anymore.

Arianne overlooking the beach. Photo courtesy of Kemi Vernon.

Lucy's Healthy Superfoods Smoothie Recipe

2014-01-16T13:26:00-08:00

Lucy slices open a coconut fresh from the tree.

Passionate foodie and chef, Lucy Mejia is an inspiration for living a simple life in a beautiful environment filled with healthy eating and joyful pursuits. Her morning starts in the oceanfront jungle palapa she calls home with her partner Jose, cracking open a coconut for refreshment and spending the daylight hours surfing, being active and making tasty food.

We met Lucy in her current home in Nayarit, Mexico while shooting the 2014 lookbook and were in awe of her love story. After getting married in Lucy’s native Australia, the couple came to Mexico to have a second wedding in Jose’s birth country. They traveled through Argentina, Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador on the way and once they hit Mexico, needed a beach vacation before the second wedding ceremony.

“Before the wedding my mother arrived from Australia and I wanted to go somewhere on the beach near San Miguel de Allende. The only criteria were waves and proximity. So Sayulita was a place. I just saw it on the map!” she says.

They arrived at Playa Escondido, surfed themselves silly along the coast, then stumbled upon a space for rent in town they imagined was perfect for a café. It was serendipity. “Discovering this small surfing village, with an abundant local, organic farmers market and more than six surf breaks within a 20-minute drive, we were sold! Being from Byron Bay, Australia, one of the most beautiful places in the world to me, I never thought I would find another place to call home. I am so grateful,” she says. Just like that, Café Esperanza was born.

The local healthy food restaurant Café Esperanza shares Lucy’s alternative eating philosophy, based on her passion for nourishing foods. As an educated acupuncturist and traditional Chinese medicine practitioner Lucy is our new go-to expert for wellness advice and easy and delicious recipes that are full of fresh ingredients.

Lucy shared with us an easy and healthy recipe using locally grown superfoods to give you long-lasting energy and hydration for however your day unfolds.

Every morning starts with fresh coconut water.

Why did you open Café Esperanza?

I love living whole delicious super foods that are prepared with love and intention. I care about how food makes me feel and I really care for the health and potential of our community. With pleasure we serve this food to our friends.

I believe that food is medicine. I take in my environment, the nature around me, the natural flora and fauna. What lives here? What thrives here? What’s local, seasonal and sustainable?

Our little café, La Esperanza is founded upon these questions. As a collective of dedicated, planet-loving, life-appreciating souls we ask you to join us in the celebration of eating consciously! The English translation of Esperanza is hope. Hope for the future generations and hope for humanity.

We believe that we are all born in perfect harmony and balance with nature. The choices we make throughout our lifetime affect this balance. Our vision, intentions and ultimately our food is developed with you in mind and is based on our desire to assist, inspire and nurture you into making the healthiest choices in life, enabling you to explore your full potential.

Welcome to Cafe Esperanza.

Fresh fruit stand. Photo by Nick LaVecchia.

What are some of the superfoods that you regularly eat and why?

In Mexico we are blessed with an abundance of readily available superfoods. Superfoods by definition are calorie sparse and nutrient dense, meaning they pack a lot of punch for their weight as far as goodness goes. They are superior sources of anti-oxidants and essential nutrients.

Five of my favourite local superfoods are:

Coconut: High in electrolytes for hydration. Drinking the juice from a young coconut is like giving your body an instant blood transfusion.

Mesquite: Mesquite contains a high vitamin and mineral content, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and zinc. It is a fantastic sweetener alternative.

Chia: A wonderful source of protein to help build beautiful hair, skin, nails and vitally important muscles and red blood cells. Amino acids and fiber that help promote healthy heart and circulation.

Cocoa: One of the world's most concentrated sources of antioxidants found in any food.

Spirulina: This cultivated micro-algae has been consumed for thousands of years by the indigenous peoples in Mexico and Africa. It is one of the highest known protein sources on Earth and contains 70% complete protein.

The most readily available of these superfoods are coconuts. Coconuts are central to my life here in the jungle! My mornings ceremoniously include opening a fresh coconut with my machete as I check the swell. If I’m super keen to get in the water I’ll just drink the water and save the flesh for later. If feel that I’m needing more energy I’ll use the water and the flesh in a smoothie.

Smoothies packed with energy and flavor.

Lucy's Sayulita Superfood Smoothie

Flesh and water of one coconut

2 tablespoons of mesquite powder

2 tablespoons of maca

1 tablespoon chia seeds

½ teaspoon of vanilla

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Agave or raw honey to your desired sweetness

1 ripe bananna

1 cup of ice

1 cup of water

This is my favorite breakfast smoothie because it has all my essential nutritional needs to start the day and it’s all local, organic and sustainable. The recipe is flexible depending on what ingredients are available. For more nutritional potency I sometimes add kale, cocoa, blueberries, almonds, bee pollen and spirulina (vital mineral greens by Health Force Nutritionals is a reputable product). I may also add additional superfoods if available: 1 tablespoon of hemp seeds and 2 tablespoons of maca powder.

An easy way to impress your friends with breakfast after the surf is to take the left over smoothie and make a quinoa breakfast in a clear tall glass. Layer pre-cooked red and white quinoa with layers of smoothie and fresh fruit. My preference is bananna and mango and berries when they are available. You can also use apple and pear if this is local for you. Top it off with diced dates and figs, hemp seeds and bee pollen. Que rico! If you are trying to stay off dairy you wont even notice it missing in this creamy deliciousness. Enjoy!!

Lovely couple Jose and Lucy, owners of Cafe Esperanza.